Since Tuesday 10th September we offer a new patient service called Anima.  

We use Anima to help you get what you need from us quickly, without always having to visit or call us.

Using the intuitive Anima platform, you can submit a request wherever you are; no more waiting on hold to speak to someone.

You are able to track and review your entire request history without having to contact us, as well as view appointment invitations, find other nearby services and even attend video consultations.

We appreciate your understanding in this matter. Our goal is to prioritise your health and well-being while managing our resources effectively. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that we are committed to providing the best possible care to all our patients.

What about my data?

Anima is approved by the NHS, who work with us in order to enable us to provide you with care. Specific agreements to let us do this, and Anima only collect the data that they need in order to make this happen.

What does Anima do?

Anima is a communication platform that allows you to seek care from Bower Mount Medical Practice. When you have an issue that you want to contact us about, you can use Anima to submit your request online.

Medical queries: telephone call with doctor or a face2face appointment. Request of sick/fit notes. Book blood test appointments. Test results and medication reviews.

Please look at the online youtube videos for help.

What does it cost?

Nothing! Anima is absolutely free for patients to use: all you need to sign up is access to a phone or computer, an email address and mobile phone number. If you don't have any of these, our receptionists can even submit requests on your behalf.

A common reason for GPs and Nurses running late is that some patients do not attend on time.  Please note, you may not be seen if you are more than 10 minutes late for your appointment.  If you are late, you may have to wait until the end of surgery to be seen as other patients will already be waiting. You may be asked to rebook if your appointment.

Appointment options:

Our practice offers a variety of appointments with a wide range of healthcare professionals. Our team includes Doctors, Nurses, Paramedic practitioners, Healthcare Assistants, First contact Physiotherapist, Pharmacist, Mental health nurse, social prescriber, Care co-ordinator and Podiatrist. We would like to direct you to the right professional to provide you the best care possible. Therefore, we are changing our appointment system to triaging by GP Assistants supported by a triaging GP. A GP is now a part of our highly trained reception team, ensuring the correct care is provided for each and every patient and that appointments are made efficiently. The care offered may consist of advice from a GP or an appointment with an appropriate health care professional. Therefore, you will be asked to provide more information which takes time as well.

Top Tips for visiting your GP

Is your issue urgent? Do you need to see a specific GP?

Is it important you are seen quickly or would you rather wait for an appointment with a particular GP? If you have a long-term illness would you benefit from seeing a GP who knows your history personally?

Take notes to help you

Before you see your GP, be clear in your own mind what you want to say. Make a note of your symptoms, worries and any questions that you would like to ask.

Take a list of your medicines – prescribed or otherwise

Bring a list of any medication you are taking, including over-the-counter and/or alternative medicines, or anything prescribed after a hospital visit. This includes tablets, liquids or creams. Your GP needs to know about everything you are taking.

Discuss important things first and stick to the point

Make sure you tell the doctor about the important things first and try to get to the point. Do not feel you have to justify being there or leave your main concern to the end.

Not clear on treatment plan?  Ask again

Make sure you fully understand the next steps before you leave the room. If you do not understand, then do not be afraid to ask your GP to go through the plan again.

Ask who to contact if you have any more questions

You may think of questions that you would like to ask after your appointment. Find out who you can contact to ask questions, as well as any support groups that can provide reliable information.

If you need support, take a relative, carer or friend

If you feel your situation needs it, take a relative or friend for support. They can help you understand or explain.

Cancelling An Appointment

Appointments can be cancelled via Anima, otherwise, please do let reception know if you cannot keep your appointment so that we can offer it to someone else.

Appointment Notification

The practice will send you a text or email  via Anima confirming your appointment.  Please always remember to inform us of any changes to your contact number.

ENHANCED SERVICES

‘Enhanced Access’ means:

As a PCN Network, we are providing appointments from 6:30pm until 8pm on weekdays and from 9am-5pm on Saturdays. 

Appointments will be both bookable in advance, up to 14 days.

A mix of services will be available within these additional hours with access to the range of health professionals working in the primary care team, including, but not limited to, GP Appointments, Practice Nurse, Screening Appointments, Physiotherapist Appointments and Vaccinations.

If you would like an evening or Saturday appointment, please request this when you contact the practice in the normal way.

SEVENOAKS URGENT TREATMENT CENTRE

Sevenoaks Urgent Treatment Centre, based at Sevenoaks Hospital is open 8am-8pm, 7 days a week 365 days a year and has two GPs stationed there throughout the day.

The service is suitable for patients for same day appointments that cannot wait 24hrs to be seen.

Patients can be seen by a GP in the UTC either by obtaining an appointment through NHS 111 by asking for a booked appointment, or alternatively signposted to attend as a walk-in.”